He was born in
Leeuwarden (Friesland) and, as a traffic engineer, created shared
spaces in that area as well as Groningen and Drenthe – the three
Provinces in the north of the Netherlands.

His key philosophy
was that road users (pedestrians, drivers, cyclists) must negotiate
their way by interacting with each other. To bring about this change
in behaviour, all traffic controls such as traffic lights, lane
markings and kerbs are removed.

The idea is
attractive and has much to commend it but two serious problems need
to be resolved:

1 – Greatly
reduced motor traffic is a prerequisite for shared space to work.
Creating shared space should not be used in an attempt to reduce
motor traffic.

2 – Because
negotiation is expected to be mediated by eye-contact, navigating
shared space is impossible or very difficult for sight impaired
people and many other disabled people. These people have a continuing
need for controlled crossings and clear, uncluttered routes.

I'll end with some tenuously related thoughts.

The rabbit and duck
illusion (Kaninchen unde Ente) has been known for over 200 years old.

The same image can
be perceived in two distinct ways by the same observer at different
times.

Reducing the
visibility of kerbs by making level surfaces and using variously
coloured pavings and setts may create a sense of place but it also
creates a space that is impossible for sight impaired people and
their guide dogs.